PA N O R A M A A special publication of the Hood River News
2017
Blossoms
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BLOSSOMS
Hood River News • April 8, 2017
‘Blossom’ Time and Beyond ...
Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
TREES near Kenworth Road display the blossoms that will turn into pears for harvesting the best of Oregon’s State Fruit.
All Roads Lead to Orchards By KIRBY NEUMANN-REA
P
Editor
anorama comes to you in four parts, perhaps even harmony. Blossom Time is here, and so is this special section. Local readers, we hope you find some new and interesting information within. Visitors, we hope this enhances your time spent in this beautiful part of the world. Panorama starts with Blossom, followed by Community, Reflections and Recreation. But of course, you may read them out of order. Read them on the train to Parkdale (Community, page 4), over a beer at one of our world-class pubs, or hanging upside down at Flow Yoga (Recreation, page 3). For a quick guide to events, see Blossom pages 45 in this section. Or for a wealth of information about all there is to do in the Gorge, check out the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on Marine Drive, next to Button Bridge Road and exit 64, just west of the Hood River interstate bridge. We salute our friends at Hood River County Chamber for the work they do greeting visitors as well as informing locals about events, activities and attractions in Hood
River County, The chamber might consider upgrading the downtown signs directing people to businesses and attractions — they are located at several spots around town, including City Hall at Second and State and at Fifth and Oak, next to the County Library. Much has changed in the county and the signs bear witness to part of that: 19 of the locations listed have new names, or have moved, closed or been replaced. (Other listings have typos and misspellings, but who are we to dwell on that?) But one of Hood River’s great features is that storefronts don’t change all that often and they don’t stay empty for long. Two examples, in the 200 block of Oak, across the street from each other: ■ The former Rivertap space, which had been followed by another specialty drink establishment, Hyde, which lasted about as long as it takes for the fizz to go out of the gin. With hope, the accessibly stylish Whisky Tango café, will last longer. ■ The former At Home On Oak, which closed in February after 19 years as one of east Oak’s anchor businesses, is now home (or soon will be) to a new store selling lots of teas, spices and other nice-smelling products. Long-life to Arome.
Yet the overall number of business changes in Hood River is relatively low; most weathered the long winter, but the best way to help ensure your favorite business makes it through spring and beyond is to financially support them. (If you weren’t here, you missed out on the fun of 10 weeks with snow on the ground, compiled thanks to four separate snow events of six or more inches. We’ve attached photos to show you a little of what it looked like. You’re welcome.) Which brings us to a colorful and aromatic time of year, spring in the Hood River Valley. This year, the chamber went ahead and identified all of April as Blossom Time, setting aside the question in recent years of when “blossom time” happens, because it has shifted in the past 10 years from April
Photo by Linda McNaughton
Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
Heights restaurant Thai House, February.
15 or so to slightly earlier to slightly later. (Until a few years ago, Blossom Fest was on one designated weekend in the middle of the month.) The “Blossom Festival” concept was replaced by a longer Blossom Time, with an emphasis on one big signature event put on by the chamber — Hard Pressed Cider Fest, pages 4-5 — and networking to the full range of fun that the Hood River Fruit Loop has to offer all year. What we know about Hood River Valley is that all roads lead to orchards, some straight through them. April pops with color and vitality between the rows of Bartletts, Anjous, Galas and Honey Crisps. May Panorama bring you up to speed while you slow down (page 3) and enjoy the blossom-laden land.
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
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‘Hood River Valley is a farming community, and regular farming activities occur here. There are many points where agricultural activity and tourism intersect — and sometimes appear to clash.’ MIKE DOKE
Submitted photo
MIKE DOKE is executive director of Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers, which represents 440 growers and 20 packing houses in the Mid-Columbia.
Photos by Kirby Neumann-Rea
Columbia Fruit Growers’ letter With mutual caution, ag and tourism can intersect in the farm zone By MIKE DOKE
S
For Panorama
pring displays a special showcase each year in the Hood River Valley. People have been visiting for generations to witness bright blooms opening across pear, cherry and apple orchards. The celebration comes full-circle as many return in the fall for freshharvested fruit. Folks are drawn to Hood River for a variety of reasons: water recreation, hiking, biking, shopping, eating and drinking have transformed the city into a resort community. The closer you are to town, the more it is obvious that tourism is a major economic drive. With tree fruit blossoms emerging, many will be venturing out to into different corners of the valley to take in the lush orchards. It will be hard to miss agriculture’s important role. It’s the reason for the season. Tree fruit farming has been a part of Hood River Valley’s landscape for nearly 140 years. The area’s volcanic soils and climate are an ideal combination for high-quality fruit production. Hood River’s agriculture industry sustains hundreds of family farms and thousands of workers. Hood River Valley is a farming community, and regular farming activities occur here. There are many points where agricultural
activity and tourism intersect — and sometimes appear to clash. The valley’s east side, for instance, is a prime fruit-growing location. Given excellent county roads and downtown proximity, it’s also a great place to ride a bike. With a bit of understanding, they can share the road. Some quick facts: There are over 12,100 acres of pears in the Hood River Valley, by far the county’s leading commodity. More than 175,000 tons are produced annually — from Anjou and Bartlett to Comice and Forelle. Another 5,000 tons of cherries grow here, while apples — the original crop planted back in the 1880s — add 10,500 tons each year. All that produce is grown by more than 400 family businesses. Most farm orchards are smaller than 50 acres. The majority of growers have been working these acres for generations. Farming is a tradition as much as it is an occupation. Even longtime residents may not understand the amount of activity needed to keep an orchard vital. Tree fruit crops are laborintensive, requiring yearround employees for pruning, thinning, irrigating, spraying and picking. Farm owners and their managers complete extensive training to meet state and federal rules designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide han-
dlers. Workers undergo food safety, farm safety and first aid training. Before anyone drives a tractor or climbs a ladder, they have been trained
skilled at limiting spray to targeted areas. That’s good to know if you happen to be pedaling on a country road and spy farm activity ahead.
‘Recognizing agriculture’s role helps appreciate the area’s beauty a little more.’ with their own and the public’s safety in mind. Pesticide handlers in particular must be certified before safely applying chemicals. For tree fruits like pears, operators are
Growers recognize it’s rare to find windless conditions to safely apply pesticides to their crops. It’s normal to see spray operations before sunrise, when winds are calm.
Of course, still air is ideal for cyclists, too. If a farm worker is close to a public road and sees anyone approach — bike rider , walker or motorist — spraying is suspended until the traveler passes. Many farms take an extra step to place warning signs on the road. Others attempt to take care of trees close to roads during normal low-traffic times to avoid conflicts. The traveler can be proactive, too. When approaching farming activity, be sure to be seen by workers before passing through. Logic applies to farm equipment on roads. Trac11th Annual
GORGE ARTISTS AR TISTS
Panorama Credits Production by David Marvin, Jim Drake, and Lisa Becharas
tors are common, and trucks are used to haul fruit. Growers train their workers to be aware of traffic in all directions, use turn signals and pull over where possible to let faster traffic by. Travelers should use caution when approaching slow farm equipment, keeping a safe distance to be seen by the farmer. Always look for the tractor operator’s indication of a turn. Hood River Valley is a great place to visit any time of year. Recognizing agriculture’s role helps appreciate the beauty a little more.
OPEN N STUDIOS Free Fr ee T Tour our o • Visit Visit 40 Artists Artists
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Covers designed by Lisa Becharas Edited by Kirby Neumann-Rea Cover photos — Blossoms: Kirby NeumannRea; Community, Kirby Neumann-Rea, yoga by Amy Cardoza; Reflections: top to bottom, Kirby Neumann-Rea, Ellen Shapley, Kirby Neumann-Rea, Alison McDonald; Recreation: Ben Mitchell; cycling photo by Remuda Pictures. Thank you to writing contributors Amy Cardoza, Mike Doke, Alison McDonald, Paige Rouse, Ellen Shapley, Cherie Walter; photography contributors Amy Cardoza, Stephen Datnoff, Linda McNaughton and Ellen Shapley.
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
On tap in Odell:
Cider Insider – Page 6
Cider Fest returns April 22 Now in its fourth year, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest gives seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from Hood River County’s very own cider makers, as well as a variety of additional Northwest cideries. Twenty-five cideries will be participating, with more than 50 ciders on tap. With a bigger footprint in 2017, the popular annual festival gives attendees more space to enjoy original ciders from local and regional craft cideries, plus adds a craft and produce market. The daylong event also features a lineup of local music, and a kids’ area, complete with a bouncy house — guaranteeing a great time for the whole family. Spring showers aren’t a problem, as the tasting area takes place in a covered hall.
ALI DANKO of Parkdale and friends enjoy the 2016 festival. Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
(Pets are not allowed at the event.)
Café, Apple Valley BBQ, and Bandit Kettle Corn.
Participating cideries 2 Towns Ciderhouse — Corvallis ATLAS Cider Co. — Bend Bauman’s Cider Company — Gervais Bull Run — Forest Grove Crush Cider Café — Hood River Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom — Hood River Draper Girls — Mt. Hood Fox-Tail Cider — Odell Jester & Judge — Stevenson La Familia Cider — Salem Legend Cider Company — The Dalles Pear UP — Wenatchee, Wash.
Portland Cider Company — Portland Rack & Cloth — Mosier Red Tank Cider — Bend Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider — Portland Runcible Cider — Mosier Schilling Cider — Portland Seattle Cider Company — Seattle Slopeswell Cider Co. — Hood River The Gorge White House — Hood
Ve n d o r l i s t i n cludes: Par ty Masters — bouncy house B’s Rubs — grilling rubs Shining Faces Face Painting, Grow Art Cycle — jewelry. River Tumalo Cider Co — Bend Wandering Aengus and Anthem Cider — Salem WildCraft Cider Works — Eugene Woodbox Cider — Portland Food will be for sale from Empanadas Maria Elba, Four & Twenty Black Birds, Solstice Wood Fire
Entertainment: ■ Noon to 1:15 p.m. — The Mesa
Reynolds Band ■ 1:45 to 3 p.m. —Quiet American ■ 3:30 to 5 p.m. — The Antonyms ■ 5 to 7 p.m. — Briana Renea
Fun Afield: Events of spring and summer in Hood River County April 7 thru May 28 — Danny McCarty Photography Exhibition at the History Museum of Hood River County. Exhibition coincides with Portland Photo Month thru April and Portland’s International “Photolucida” exhibit April 20-23. April 9 — 50th Annual Cherry Blossom Buffet, 11-3
p.m. at the Mosier Grange. Grilled salmon, ham, main dishes, salads and cherry dessert. Adults $10, kids 6-12 $2, under 6 free. Proceeds benefit grange as Red Cross Emergency Shelter. More at 541-478-3505. April 15 — Annual Children’s Safety Fair and Easter Egg Hunt at Jackson Park.
Safety fair 10-noon, egg hunt starts at 11 a.m. Fire trucks, Sparky the Fire Dog, bike helmet stickers from Providence, booster seat education, swimming safety, Smokey the Bear, police department, public safety info; children ages 1-10 additionally invited to the Easter egg hunt, with over 8,000 plastic eggs.
April 15-16 — Blossom Craft Show, 10-5 p.m. at the Hood River County Fairgrounds. Fine art, arts and crafts, gourmet food items, jewelry, soft goods, photographs, plant sale by Odell Garden Club, winetasting and more. Free admission and parking. More at www.hoodriverfair.org.
On May 1, Sternwheeler River Cruises begin for the season at Marine Park, Port of Cascade Locks. Trees and table frame the vessel from Thunder Island — a unique location for walking and taking in splendid Gorge scenery. More at www. cascadelocks.net. May 1 is also when Cascade Locks Historical Museum opens for the season at Marine Park, Port of Cascade Locks. Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. More at www.cascadelocks.net. Also in Cascade Locks, on April 28-30 Thunder Island Brewing holds its “Half Birthday Celebration.” More at thunderislandbrewing.com.
Photos by Kirby Neumann-Rea
April 16 — Annual Sunrise Church Service, 8-10 a.m., in the Marine Park Pavilion at the Port of Cascade Locks. More at www.cascadelocks.net. April 19 — Conservation Project, 7 p.m. at Columbia Center for the Arts. “What We Risk: Creativity, Vulnerability and Art,” led by Jason Graham. Free. Starting April 21 — Lions Follies: “Kid Awesome and the Disco Girls,” on stage in the Hood River Middle School auditorium. Runs April 21-23 and 27-29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 23 at 2 p.m. Singing, dancing and comedy. Tickets available at the door. April 22 — Mt. Hood Railroad Fundraiser for the Hutson Museum. All proceeds from the excursion benefit the museum. Old West train; onboard western entertainment, Apple Valley barbecue lunch, free museum admission. First class and diamond class seating, sold in pairs. Boards 10:30 a.m. Fares start at $40 and can be booked online at www.mthoodrr.com/ride/huts on-museum-fundraiser. April 26 — Conversation Project, 6 p.m. at the History Museum of Hood River County. “Where Are You From? Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians,” led by Kerani Mitchell. Free. April 28 thru 30 — CityWide Yard Sale in Cascade Locks. More at www.cascadelocks.net. April 28 thru 30 — Half Birthday Celebration at Thunder Island Brewing, Cascade Locks. More at thunderislandbrewing.com. April 28 thru 30 — Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour, 105 p.m. at studios around the Gorge. Download a map at gorgeartists.org (click on “Guide”). Painting, drawing,
jewelry, glass, sculpture, photography, textiles, fiber and more. Free. May 10 — Scott Cook Lecture, 7 p.m. at the History Museum of Hood River County. Local author of “Curious Gorge.” May 13 — Second Saturday at WAAAM Air and Auto Museum, 9-5 p.m. Antique airplanes and cars; activities run 10-2 p.m., and lunch from 11-1 p.m. More at www.waaamuseum.org. June 2-Aug. 19 — Wedding Dresses from the Collection Exhibit at the History Museum of Hood River County. Thru June — Carnal Love at AniChe, 301 Oak. Northwest artists’ renditions of physical love. June 7 — Conversation Project, 6 p.m. at the History Museum of Hood River County. Led by Adam Davis, “What We Want from the Wild.” Free. June 10 — Second Saturday at WAAAM Air and Auto Museum, 9-5 p.m. Antique airplanes and cars; activities run 10-2 p.m., and lunch from 11-1 p.m. More at www.waaamuseum.org. June 23 thru 25 — Mountain Men Rendezvous, Thunder Island, Cascade Locks. More at www.cascadelocks.net. July 4 — Fireworks, beginning at dusk at Marine Park, Port of Cascade Locks. More at www.cascadelocks.net. July 4 — Hood River Fourth of July: Kollas/Cranmer Run, 7 a.m. beginning at Mid Valley Elementary and ending at Jackson Park; Hood River Lions Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m. on the Heights (starts at Eliot Drive, ends at Jackson See EVENTS, Page 5
SATURDAYS May through November — Hood River Farmers’ Market, 9-1 p.m. at Fifth and Columbia, across from Hood River Cinemas and Full Sail Brewing. Lynn Lewis of Crisp and Tart textiles shows her vividly-colorful wares in this 2016 photo. Find local food and craft vendors, children’s activities, live music, cooking demos, hot food vendors and more. DEBIT and SNAP cards, WIC and FDNP coupons accepted.
Celebrating A celebration of fresh, local food
a publication by the Hood River News highlighting the growing array of producers and the flourishing
FRESH LOCAL FOOD
“local food first” movement in the Gorge. To advertise in the June and September issues contact: Hood River News 541-386-1234, or email: jthompson@hoodrivernews.com Story suggestions email: cmarr@hoodrivernews.com
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
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Not just token tastes:
Hard Pressed Cider Fest April 22 is a new date for the fourth annual event; hours noon to 7 p.m. Admission: $20 for a full event pass (includes entry into Cider Fest, five two-ounce taste tokens, and commemorative glass; $15 presale event pass (includes entry into Cider Fest, five two-ounce taste tokens, and commemorative glass). Visit hoodriver.org/cider-fest. Entry-only costs $10. Admission is
free for those under 21. Host site is 3315 Stadelman Drive, just outside the community of Odell. Take Highway 35 eight miles south of Hood River, turn on Davis Road, and after about 300 yards, turn onto Stadelman Drive. Look for parking assistance from Lions volunteers. Call the chamber at 541-386-2000 for further details.
Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
ASK CIDER makers the source of fruit for their wares. In 2016, orchardist Randy Kiyokawa of Parkdale gives a Cider Society tour of his property, where he has planted specialty cider apples.
Craft Show and Quilt Show come April 15-16 to fairgrounds Garden Club’s popular annual plant sale Saturday at the Craft Show. The Hood River Valley High School FFA organization will be there both days offering a variety of plants for sale from their greenhouse, as will professional growers of shrubs and plants. Add vendors offering garden art, decorations, and more, the show is a must for those who love a beautiful yard, or who want to get a jump on their spring gardening. ■ The Special Olympics or-
EVENTS
Locks and Odell (Spanish with English subtitles) in July and August, with dates and times TBA. July 22 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. July 26 thru 29 — Hood River County Fair at the fairgrounds. Carnival rides, livestock, food displays, 4-H exhibits, music and entertainment, including Sammy Kershaw on Saturday. More at www.hoodriverfair.org. Aug. 3 — Families in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Jackson Park. Featuring “Jilt.” Aug. 5 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. Aug. 10 — Families in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Jackson Park. Featuring “Kalimba.” Aug. 12 — Second Saturday at WAAAM Air and Auto Museum, 9-5 p.m. Antique airplanes and cars; activities run 10-2 p.m., and lunch from 11-1 p.m. More at www.waaamuseum.org. Aug. 12 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. Aug. 17 — Families in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Jackson Park. Featuring “Aerosmith Rocks.”
Continued from Page 4 Park); celebration at Jackson Park following the parade with candy and ice cream for children, barbecued hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs by the Hood River Fire Department, and music; Lions fireworks at dusk at the Event Site. July 8 — WAAAM Traffic Jam, 8-5 p.m. at WAAAM Air and Auto Museum. A car show and more. All types of vehicles are welcome to participate. More at www.waaamuseum.org. July 8-9 — 13th Annual Oregon Lavender DAZE Festival, 10-5 p.m. at Hood River Lavender. Live music, food and wine vendors, other vendors, craft classes, u-pick lavender, kids’ activities. Tour groups welcome; no pets. More at www.LavenderDaze.com. July 15 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. There will also be events in Cascade
Fairgrounds is a year-round scene – Page 7 ganization will there with a fundraiser to support their work, and the Hood River Art Club will have a gallerystyle display of paintings and fine art. The Blossom Craft Show is organized by the Hood River County Fair
Board. ■ Along with the Blossom Craft Show, the annual Blossom Fest Quilt Show and Sale will also be taking place at the fairgrounds, in the Floral Building. More than 100 handmade quilts will be on display, with many of them for sale. This show and sale is a favorite of quilt-lovers from around the Northwest. ■
Follow the signs to the Hood River County Fairgrounds, located at 3020 Wy’east Road, at the intersection of Wy’east and Summit roads, south of Hood River near Odell. There is no admission charge for any of the weekend’s offerings, and parking is free. Blossom Craft Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, April 15-16. Call the fair office at 541354-2865 for additional information about attending, email hrfair@hrecn.net, or check the website at www.hoodriverfair.org. Vendor information and applications are on the website. The fairgrounds also has a Facebook page.
Aug. 19 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. Aug. 24 — Families in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Jackson Park. Aug. 26 — Movies in the Park at Jackson Park. Aug. 30 — Conservation Project, 6 p.m. at the History Museum of Hood River County. Led by Jennifer Burns Bright, “Fish Tales: Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon.” Free. Aug. 31 — Families in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Jackson Park. Featuring “Hit Machine.” Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30 — Our Latino Community: Economic and Cultural Contributions Exhibit at the History Museum of Hood River County. Opening event Sept. 1 with presentation by Natalia Fernandez, curator and archivist, OSU Libraries. Sept. 9-10 — Hood River Fly-in at WAAAM Air and Auto Museum. Hundreds of visiting airplanes, food and activities. Visit with pilots. Museum open 9-5 p.m., Lions Club breakfast 8 a.m. both days. More at www.waaamuseum.org.
Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
TASTING LOCAl delights (Packer Farms’ jams) are Shelly Curtis and her daughter, Emily, at the 2016 event.
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In springtime, the beautiful Hood River Valley is famous for its blanket of thousands of acres of blooming pear, apple, and cherry orchards. The valley’s communities celebrate this spectacular floral display with the annual Blossom Festival. Two of the festival’s most popular events — the Blossom Craft Show and the Blossom Fest Quilt Show — take place Saturday and Sunday, April 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fairgrounds are located in the midst of orchard country at 3020 Wy’east Road, near the community of Odell. Admission and parking are free. The Blossom Craft Show features something for everyone. Artists, craftspeople, and vendors from around the Northwest will be on hand offering arts and crafts, yard plants, garden art, rhododendrons and azaleas, handcrafted home furnishings and decorations, gourmet food products, jewelry, pottery, beads, clothing, and much more. Taste award-winning wines and enjoy food at more than 100 vendor booths. ■ Gardeners will want to be sure to attend the Odell
2016-17
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
Hood River County
Cider Insider
Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea
Photos by Ben Mitchell
CHEERS: Trina McAlexander holds up a crystal glass of her cider at Mt. View Orchards. At top, the rich supply of apples grown at the Parkdale farm supplies Golden Row ciders. At left, hazy golden Dry Cider from Double Mountain, currently one of the 20 taps at Cider Crush Café. Below, inset, face of Double Mountain brewery owner Matt Swihart, in the iconic chalk image at the pub, has branched out to cider.
New ‘Nellie,’ Golden Row in Parkdale, Double Mountain ‘Dry’ and Slopeswell charity tap
C
ider choices have certainly expanded in the past year in Hood River County. Brewer Matt Swihart adds to his long list of Double Mountain brews of all stripes by sharing some of his homestead via the nectar known simply as “Dry Cider,” made from heirloom and dessert apples grown on his own farm near Hood River (5.8 ABV). It’s on tap at the brewery and taproom in Hood River and, newly opened in 2016, the taproom on S.E. Woodstock in Portland, as well as at Cider Crush Café and Volcanic Bottle Shoppe (check availability).
Slopeswell Cider Co., Hood River A year ago, the Heights cidery Slopeswell was still known, officially, as “12 Ciders,” and underwent a forced name change from “Spoke and Sail” to the well-crafted moniker it bears today (1201 12th St., just south of the hospital). Owners Chip Dickenson, Stefan Gumperlein, John Metta, and Jeff Nicol employ a variety of nature’s resources with ciders made from cherries, peaches, currants, honey, and more. In March, Slopeswell un-
veiled its first monthly “charity tap” beverage, Metta’s pear cider titled “Somos Uno” (“We are one” in Spanish) with proceeds going to Gorge Ecumenical Ministries.
Cider Crush Café, Hood River Celebrating local and regional ciders, including those of their own making, has been the goal of owners Guntrum Jordan and Sam Bailey since founding their cidery and taproom two years ago. Mutt and Scruff are two hybrid ciders, great with food or on their own, and this spring they rolled out a new Perry, “Nellie,” made from Winter Nellis pears (6 percent ABV) grown at McCurdy Orchards in Hood River and in the barrel for a year. Cider Crush expanded its taps from 12 to 20 in mid-2016 (three or four are usually dedicated to local beer.) Pair the cider with food from the café menu or bring
in a sandwich from New York Subshop, two doors down. From downtown you can easily walk to Cider Crush, at 1020 Wasco: from Columbia Street, turn north on Seventh and follow the street downhill and west past the Waucoma Building. On the way back, stay on Industrial Way and check out great views of the river, The Remains art gallery, the mural-in-development at Third and Industrial (Community page 6), and the downtown area.
Golden Row, Parkdale Katrina McAlexander operates her family farm, Mt. View Orchards, up in Parkdale and grows apples and pears on 50 acres of prime real estate laying in full view of Mount Hood. In addition to running a bustling produce stand, a u-pick operation, hosting events, and other activities at the farm, McAlexander also serves up her “farm to glass” Gold-
en Row cider. Golden Row cider is made from nothing but apples from Mt. View’s row of 100-yearold apple trees. Each cider blend starts with a base of apples fresh-pressed on site in a small-craft cidery to achieve a balance of sweetness, tartness, and dryness. After fermentation, the cider is back-sweetened with more fresh-pressed juice. Along with having no extra sugar, Golden Row is naturally gluten free. Visitors to Mt. View can enjoy samples of Golden Row at the cidery, take home growlers from the fruit stand, or order kegs for their special event, restaurant, or wedding. Ciders are offered July through the end of October, Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Head to mtvieworchards.com/golden-row-cider for more information. “A long-time cider lover, I have never been satisfied with ciders that are overly sweet and artificial,” she writes on her website. “I wanted to make cider the way my greatgrandparents would have enjoyed in back in the motherland. This inspired my quest to learn how to make an additive-free cider that tasted like apples.”
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
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Fun at the fairgrounds
Hood River County Fairgrounds hosts events all year long
Photos by Kirby Neumann-Rea
The Hood River County Fairgrounds, located south of Hood River at 3020 Wy’east Road, just outside of Odell, lies at the heart of Oregon’s scenic Hood River Valley. If you are visiting the area, and plan to come back later this year, you’ll find the fairgrounds is the location of many popular area events and activities. The following is basic information about a number of the special events to be held during 2017 at the fairgrounds, starting with one of the more popular events during Blossom Time in the valley.
COLUMBIA FRUIT GROWERS’ Mike Doke (see what he has to say on page 3 of this section) slices fruit and answers questions during the fall Fruit and Craft Fair in the Community Building at the fairgrounds, held each Octo- BLOSSOM CRAFT SHOW ber. Above, sign on Woodworth Road — April 15-16, 10 a.m. to 5 near Mount Hood heralds one of the p.m. many quirks drivers should expect on Celebrate blossom time in the beautiful Hood River Valley by visHood River Valley roads.
iting the Blossom Craft Show. Find fine art, arts and crafts, gourmet food items, jewelry, soft goods, photographs, and much more. Taste award-winning local wines, and enjoy delicious food. Add to your yard and garden with purchases at the Odell Garden Club plant sale, or at one of the other vendors offering plants and shrubs. The Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers plan to have fresh pears for sale. Additional special displays and offerings. Admission is free.
year’s theme is “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns to the Fair.” The Hood River County Fair was recently named “Best in Oregon,” with nationally-known entertainment — including country music’s Sammy Kershaw on Saturday, July 29 — displays, carnival rides, livestock, flowers, 4-H exhibits, art, food, and much more. The fair offers something special for everyone.
GORGE FRUIT & CRAFT FAIR
HOOD RIVER COUNTY FAIR — Oct. 21-22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — July 26-29 The Hood River County Fair arrives with fun and entertainment for the whole family. The event is full of tradition, with plenty of exciting “new” attractions. This
This event features some of the best of the Columbia River Gorge — and only the Columbia River Gorge. Find fruit and produce at the height of the region’s harvest season, along with a wide variety
of arts and crafts created by Gorge artisans. Food, local wines, a flower show, fun and activities in a scenic, park-like venue, all during the county’s famous harvest season. Free admission and parking.
LAST CHANCE HOLIDAY BAZAAR — Dec. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last chance to find those one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Browse wonderful arts and crafts, holiday items, clothing, home decorations, gourmet foods, baked goods, and much more. Winter lunches and snacks available. Free admission and parking. ■
For details, call the fairgrounds office at 541-354-2865, or visit www.hoodriverfair.org.
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Hood River News • April 8, 2017
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